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NEW! - Keywords For This Page: Gifts - Tips And Tricks
Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.
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AVOID THE STORES
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- how much is it worth it to not deal with crowds?
- shop through catalogs whenever possible
- use online stores to save time and stress
- be careful about paying too much for shipping and convenience
- plan ahead to avoid last-minute shipping fees
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CREATE A GIFT WRAP STATION
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- keep all of your gift-giving supplies in one place
- set up gift center nearest the point where you normally wrap gifts
- set up a long under-bed box for rolled wrapping paper
- set up smaller tubs for tags, bows, ribbon, etc.
- be sure to include scissors, tape, and a pen
- also store the gifts you plan to give in the same place
- set up one storage tub for "kid gifts" and another for "adult gifts"
- make sure to include a flat surface for wrapping
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EVALUATE YOUR GIFT LIST
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- huge shopping lists create a strain on your wallet and time
- give just one gift to each person on your list
- have each person draw one name and give only that one gift
- buy gifts only for the kids in your extended family
- buy many of the same item to give to several people on your list
- make an agreement to skip gifts this year altogether
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GIFT ALTERNATIVES
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- food (baked items, mixes, spices, wine, candy)
- events (tickets to a play, dinner out, a shopping trip)
- gift certificates
- flowers, plants, and dried wreaths
- personal services (babysitting, cleaning, a home-cooked meal)
- craft items (decorations, scrapbooks, centerpieces)
- recycled gifts -- unopened items you received as gifts in the past
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KEEP A LIST OF GIFT IDEAS
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- pay attention to items people mention they want
- keep a running "wish list" of gift ideas for each person in your life
- cross off each gift as you give it or know they have received it
- use this as your shopping list as the holiday season begins
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PLAN AHEAD
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- never go shopping without a list
- know how much you are willing to spend on each item / person
- have a clear idea of the type of gift you want to get someone
- schedule your shopping trip geographically
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SHOP FOR GIFTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
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- with your wish list, you don't have to wait until December to shop
- keep an eye out for sales throughout the year
- shop for interesting and unique gift items while traveling
- pick up both specific and generic (for anyone) gifts
- set aside a closet or storage tub for holding gifts you've purchased
- wrap and tag them as soon as you get home to save time
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START A CHRISTMAS CLUB ACCOUNT
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- contact your bank about special holiday savings accounts
- generally, you can't touch the money until December
- plan to put aside a small amount each month to use for gifts
- promise yourself not to spend more than you have in your account
- the easiest way to plan ahead, avoid debt, and stick to a budget
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